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Canada warns of ‘imminent’ terror threat in New Delhi http://www.inbox.com/homepage.aspx?tbid=80142&lng=en May 01, 2010 | Rick Westhead – Toronto Star NEW DELHI - The Canadian government believes there is an “imminent” threat of a terrorist attack in India’s capital city. In an email circulated Saturday morning to registered Canadians living in India, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade wrote “while there is a continuing threat of terrorist attacks throughout India at all times, credible and specific reporting indicates that a terrorist attack could be carried in the following days or weeks, in market areas of Delhi frequented by foreigners.” The travel advisory was the third sent out in recent days and warns travellers to avoid New Delhi’s popular Chandni Chowk area. “We advise to exercise a high degree of caution, to monitor your surroundings and to minimize your presence in market areas of the city,” the advisory said. New Delhi has been relatively safe over the past year and a half. The advisory also comes as India and Pakistan attempt to normalize diplomatic ties. This week the countries agreed to schedule meetings between foreign ministers. Relations chilled in the wake of the November 2008 terrorist attacks when a group of terrorists from Pakistan landed on the shores of Mumbai, fanned out across the city and killed 163 people. The last major attack in New Delhi occurred in September 2008 when a series of synchronized explosions hit five crowded markets, including Connaught Place, a tourist destination. In February, Indian authorities issued a national alert after nine people were killed and at least 57 were wounded when a bomb exploded at a bakery in the western Indian city of Pune. The bakery was in a neighbourhood popular with foreign tourists.

British government apologizes to Pope over insulting memo http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/world/article/511260--u-k-apologizes-to-pope-memo David Stringer, the Associated Press | April 25, 2010 11:43 a.m. LONDON - Britain's Foreign Office issued a hasty apology Sunday to Pope Benedict after publication of an internal memo in which officials joked he could open an abortion clinic, launch a range of condoms or sing a duet with the Queen during a four-day visit in September. The document, sections of which were published in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, also proposed the Pope could bless a gay marriage, and acknowledge the clerical sex abuse scandal by establishing a hotline for abused children, or honouring abuse whistleblowers. Junior officials wrote the memo following a brainstorming session intended to discuss ideas for the visit, the first to Britain by the head of the Roman Catholic Church since pope John Paul in 1982. Though some included advice for Britain's government on how to approach the abuse scandal, the ministry condemned many of the proposals as "ill-judged, naive and disrespectful." Britain's ambassador to the Vatican, Francis Campbell, met senior Vatican officials offer a formal apology and one individual involved in drafting the memo has been transferred to other duties, the ministry said. "The Foreign Office very much regrets this incident and is deeply sorry for the offence which it has caused," the ministry said in a statement. "We strongly value the close and productive relationship between the U.K. government and the Holy See and look forward to deepening this further with the visit of Pope Benedict to the U.K." The document featured a diagram listing people likely to have an influential role during, or in commenting on, the visit - which ranked Scottish singer Susan Boyle, the surprise reality television star, as more important than Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols, the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. An accompanying note acknowledged many of the ideas contained in the memo were extreme. "These should not be shared externally...," it read, explaining the document was "the product of a brainstorm which took into account even the most far-fetched of ideas." Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi said an apology from Britain had been received through the Holy See's embassy. "They supplied all the explanations, and there is nothing to add," Lombardi said. Britain's Scotland Secretary Jim Murphy on Sunday branded the suggestions contained in the memo as despicable. "These are vile, they're insulting, an embarrassment, and on behalf of the whole of the United Kingdom, I would want to apologize," he said, during an election debate. During his visit to Scotland and England, the Pope will give a speech in London, attend an ecumenical service at Westminster Abbey and conduct a public mass in Glasgow's Bellahouston Park.

The UK General Elections – How did the Goan Candidates Fare Keith Vaz –Labour- Leicester East http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/election2010/results/constituency/c55.stm Keith Vaz wins Leicester East for Labour, votes 25,804 % 53.8 majority 14,082 Valerie Vaz –Labour- Walsall South Valerie Vaz wins Walsall South for Labour , votes 16,211 % 39.7 majority 1,755 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/election2010/results/constituency/e87.stm Brendan D’Cruz – Castle Point http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/election2010/results/constituency/a93.stm Brendan D'Cruz - Liberal Democrat Came 4th. votes 4,232 % 9.4 Rabi Martins Liberal Democrat – Luton North http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/election2010/results/constituency/c73.stm Rabi Martins Liberal Democrat came 3rd votes 4,784 %11.1

Goan Overseas Association – Ruby Anniversary Photo: Eugene Correia Click to enlarge Click Here for article on Ruby Anniversary Celebrations and Photos.

Goan Brother & Sister in UK Parliament‏ Excerpt of Letter of Congratulations sent by G.O.A. Toronto From: Al Mathias (almathias@rogers.com) Sent: May 7, 2010 10:40:29 PM To: vazk@parliament.uk Cc: vazv@parliament.uk; Dear Keith, The Goan Community in Toronto, Canada is very proud to learn of your re- election to the House of Commons for the riding of Leicester East! We are also excited to learn that your sister, Valerie, was elected in the riding of Walsall South. On behalf of the Goan Overseas Association, Toronto and the Board of Trustees of the GOA, we would like to send you and Valerie our heartiest congratulations and to wish you both every success in the deliberations of Parliament and in meeting the concerns of your constituents and the British public at large. Once again, Congratulations and Best wishes, our prayers are with you! Alcino Rodrigues - Chairman, Board of Trustees, GOA Al Mathias - Vice-Chairman, Board of Trustees, GOA Oscar Furtado - President, GOA Toronto.